The Glossy Podcast: A Deep Dive into Balancing Creativity and Business at NYFW with Jonathan Cohen and Sarah Left

Release Date: February 10, 2025
Episode Title: Jonathan Cohen's Co-Founders on Balancing Creative and Business Priorities at NYFW

Introduction: Meet Jonathan Cohen and Sarah Left

In this insightful episode of The Glossy Podcast, host Jill Manoff sits down with Jonathan Cohen, the creative force behind the 14-year-old Jonathan Cohen brand, and Sarah Left, the company’s CEO. As New York Fashion Week (NYFW) approaches, the duo prepares to unveil their Fall 2025 collection at Rockefeller Center, featuring inspiring women and innovative collaborations with accessory brands.

Reimagining the NYFW Presentation Format

Jonathan and Sarah discuss their strategic decision to adopt a new presentation format for their upcoming NYFW showcase.

Jonathan Cohen [01:26]: "Post-pandemic, Sarah and I always said that we wanted to just do what we felt was best for that particular collection."

They emphasize the importance of tailoring the presentation to fit the collection's unique narrative, moving beyond traditional runway shows to incorporate static presentations and video elements. This season marks a departure from their usual format as they strive to create a more engaging and content-rich experience.

Balancing Creativity with Business Acumen

A central theme of the conversation revolves around the dynamic interplay between creative vision and business strategy within the brand.

Jonathan Cohen [03:09]: "I think it's always been a push and pull, you know, and really kind of finding a balance between those two because both are very important to us."

Jonathan highlights his upbringing in a business-oriented household juxtaposed with his passion for fashion and art. Sarah complements this by describing their relationship as "yin and yang," where she seamlessly integrates business insights without stifling Jonathan's creative impulses.

Sarah Left [04:31]: "The one person who's going to buy a custom piece of this is so important to really honor the person who understands what actually went into that collection." [04:31]

A Partnership Forged at Parsons

The founders delve into their origins, meeting at Parsons School of Design, and how their complementary backgrounds have shaped the brand.

Sarah Left [05:32]: "Jonathan and I met freshman year and he was in fashion and I was in business, and we would always just chat together."

Sarah’s education in design and management provided a foundation for understanding both the creative and commercial aspects of the fashion industry, fostering a collaborative environment from the outset.

Authenticity: The Key to Connecting with Consumers

Jonathan and Sarah discuss the evolving landscape of consumer expectations and the critical role of authenticity in brand longevity.

Jonathan Cohen [05:42]: "I think your consumer is very savvy and they can really like smell through something that's not authentic." [05:42]

They stress staying true to the brand’s essence, believing that heartfelt design resonates deeply with consumers. This commitment to authenticity has sustained the brand for over a decade, allowing them to maintain a loyal customer base while attracting new followers.

Expanding Horizons: Collaborations and Global Support

The conversation shifts to the brand’s collaborations, particularly with Marina Larude for footwear, and the strategic planning behind these partnerships.

Sarah Left [10:15]: "We've been lucky enough to partner with Marina Larude and do shoes." [10:15]

Jonathan elaborates on how collaborations serve as trial runs for entering new product categories, enabling both brands to gauge customer responses and refine their offerings accordingly.

Jonathan Cohen [10:38]: "They really exceed my expectations." [10:38]

Navigating Challenges: Sustainability and Financial Constraints

Jonathan candidly addresses the financial challenges inherent in the fashion industry, especially when adhering to sustainable practices.

Jonathan Cohen [13:03]: "Money. Everyone could always use more money. So that's always a challenge for anybody." [13:03]

Maintaining high-quality, sustainable production standards increases costs, presenting a constant balancing act between ethical responsibility and financial viability.

Retail Strategy: Wholesale and Direct-to-Consumer Balance

Sarah outlines the brand’s evolution from a purely wholesale model to incorporating a robust direct-to-consumer approach.

Sarah Left [14:19]: "We actually launched with a wholesale business. So we were solely wholesale until 2019 when we launched our own e-commerce called the Studio." [14:19]

The integration of e-commerce and pop-up residencies has allowed Jonathan Cohen to reach a broader audience, while partnerships with established retailers like Neiman’s have introduced the brand to diverse consumer segments.

Jonathan Cohen [15:38]: "Neiman's really came in and started buying our tailoring pieces and our jackets and our trousers." [15:38]

Future Growth: Innovative Initiatives and Storytelling

Looking ahead, Jonathan and Sarah share their excitement for upcoming collaborations and initiatives aimed at fostering deeper connections with their audience.

Sarah Left [18:57]: "Starting on the 12th, that will go live again both on our website and our newsletter." [18:57]

They plan to relaunch their "In the Studio" series, featuring weekly conversations with inspiring women, further cementing their commitment to storytelling and community engagement.

Conclusion: Embracing the Present While Planning for the Future

As the episode wraps up, Jonathan and Sarah emphasize the importance of living in the moment while remaining adaptable to the ever-changing fashion landscape.

Jonathan Cohen [18:23]: "We're always, like, thinking of what, like, what's next, but also trying to live in the moment of what we're doing now." [18:23]

Their holistic approach combines creative integrity with strategic business practices, ensuring the brand remains relevant and resilient in a competitive industry.

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Glossy Podcast offers a comprehensive look into how Jonathan Cohen and Sarah Left skillfully navigate the complexities of running a fashion brand. From innovative NYFW presentations to maintaining authenticity and embracing collaborations, their insights provide valuable lessons for anyone interested in the intersection of creativity and commerce in the fashion world.

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